Chandratal Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Chandratal Trek is a great walk in the heart of the Spiti part of Himachal Pradesh, going to the lovely moon-like lake called Chandratal or "Moon Lake." Set up high at about 4,300 meters (14,100 feet), this path gives a wild look of clean Himalayan sights, loved by hikers and those who love exploring. The way goes over hard land, bare hills, clear streams, and far hills, giving wide views of the Chandra-Bhaga mountains. You can start the trek from Batal or Kunzum La, and the trip may take a short but fun 2-4 days. Hikers go on rocky paths, get past icy streams, and set up camp under the stars near the lake, where the peaks shine in its blue-green waters. The lake means a lot to the people living there and is seen as a holy place. It is also part of the Ramsar wetland program, showing that it is very important to our world. This trek is good for both new and old hikers, but getting used to the high altitude is key. The best time to go is from late June to early October when the snow is gone, and the air is good. At this time, wildflowers cover the hills, creating a lovely sight. One great thing about the trek is the big change in views from the green Kullu valley to the dry, desert-like Spiti. The calm, quiet, and strange feel of Chandratal makes this trek one to change your soul. It's good for those looking for peace, fun, or just the joy of sleeping by a Himalayan lake, giving you a look into the heart of nature.

History of Chandratal Lake and Trek

Chandratal or "Moon Lake" in Hindi is full of old tales, spirituality, and deep roots. Its spot in the Spiti part of Himachal Pradesh at 4,300 meters has pulled in the locals, holy people, hikers, and those who love history for many years. Though now many know it for its wild beauty and for trips, the old and sacred stories of Chandratal are also important. A well-known tale from the Hindu book of stories, the Mahabharata, is tied to it. They say this magic lake is where Yudhishthira, the oldest of the Pandavas, was taken to heaven with his whole body by Lord Indra. The story shows Yudhishthira’s strong goodness and love, giving him this rare gift. The people there see the lake as holy and think it is a place where spirits visit at night. In old times, Chandratal and the land around it were paths for trade and holy walks that went to Tibet. These were walked by traders, monks, and people moving about who came through the high Himalayan ways like Kunzum La. They often stopped at the lake to pray or just look at its beauty. The lake is close to old holy places in Spiti and Lahaul, like Key Monastery, Dhankar, and Tabo, adding deep value to the place.

The folk of Spiti and Lahaul have long held Chandratal dear. They keep to their customs around the lake, mainly in the warm months. Even now, many locals make sure not to dirty the lake or break its peace, thinking of it as the home of spirits. From the Earth and world-care view, Chandratal was shaped by ice a long time ago. Its moon-like shape and clear waters call to those who study the world and care for it. It is named in the Ramsar list of safe wetlands, which shows its importance to the world for its rare mountain plants and animals. The story of Chandratal as a path for walking came up much later. In the last part of the 1900s, as trips for fun grew in India, the lake drew in hikers looking for big climbs and far places in the Himalayas. The tough but taking land, with bare hills and not sure air, pulls in those who take photos, love nature, and like to find out about new spots. In total, Chandratal is not just a nice place but a spot where tales, past, and nature meet. Whether it’s the legends of the Mahabharata, the old trading paths, or the beliefs of the local groups, the history of Chandratal is deep and shines back like the lake itself, making every visit a trip through time, belief, and the world.

Nearby Places of Chandratal Lake and Trek

• Kunzum Pass: Sitting high at 4,551 meters, Kunzum Pass is among the tallest roads you can drive on in Himachal Pradesh, leading to Chandratal Lake from Lahaul. It shows off wide views of snowy tops and ice, and has a small temple for Goddess Kunzum Devi, where people ask for safe travels. The pass only opens in the summer and stays snowed in all other times.

• Batal: Batal is a small stop, starting the trek to Chandratal. Near the Chandra River, it's rough and simple, with basic food stops giving food and rest to trekkers and riders. Though hard to reach, it's key on the Manali–Kaza path, showing great icy and bare hill views.

• Spiti Valley: Named the "Middle Land" between India and Tibet, Spiti Valley is near Chandratal and is a high desert known for old sites, strange views, and Tibetan culture. Spots like Kaza, Tabo, and Dhankar are key here, seen before or after a trek. Its bold look and calm feel draw travellers.

• Lahaul Valley: Over Kunzum Pass lies Lahaul Valley, lush and full of rivers and old towns, unlike Spiti. Full of high peaks and monasteries, Lahaul is quieter and less visited. It's perfect for real Himalayan life, places like Keylong and Jispa show this well.

• Suraj Tal: Near Baralacha La in Lahaul, Suraj Tal, or "Lake of the Sun," is the third highest lake in India, viewed as holy. Not right on the Chandratal path, but worth the trip. Its calm water and high mountains call to nature fans and photo takers.

• Baralacha La: With a height of about 4,890 meters, Baralacha La links Lahaul to Ladakh. Often snowy, it gives great views and rough paths. A key spot for long, high walks, it opens up to hidden spots like Zanskar and Suraj Tal.

• Key Monastery: In Spiti Valley near Kaza, Key Monastery is the biggest and most known in the area. Set up high, it's a core spot for Tibetan Buddhists. Its old art, prayer tools, and calm air make it a top stop for those looking for a spiritual journey near Chandratal.

Best Time to Visit Chandratal Lake and Trek

• Summer Season (Late June to Mid-September): Best seen from late June to mid-September. Snow melts, roads open, and the weather gets nice, with days from 12°C to 20°C, but colder at night. The sky is clear, flowers are bright, and paths are clear, making it the top trek time. Campsites by the lake let trekkers watch stars in the big mountain sky.

• Monsoon (Late July to August – Caution Advised): Although mostly dry, paths from Manali and Kullu might have slides and blocks in heavy rains. Travel is risky then, but green and less full. Always check the weather when planning.

• Post-Monsoon (September to Early October): Clear and crisp, this is when the land shifts to autumn colours, making for stunning views. It's the end of the trek season, with colder days and snow coming after mid-October. Great for photos and quiet moments.

• Winter Season (Mid-October to May – Not Recommended): Chandratal is out of reach in winter, closed from Mid-October to May due to heavy snow and the locked Kunzum Pass. It gets very cold, and the lake turns to ice. Only well-set groups should try this, as it's too risky for most.

How to Reach Chandratal Trek

• By Road: The drive from Manali to Batal is quite the view, going through 120 km of roads. It takes around 6-8 hours, going over the big hills of Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) and Kunzum Pass (4,551 m). From Batal, Chandratal Lake is 14 km away, reachable by foot or a bumpy road (when it's warm). The roads are rough with tight turns, so it's best to drive a 4x4 or get a local who knows the roads. This road is open from late June to early October only.

• By Bus: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has a few bus runs from Manali to Kaza through Batal and Kunzum Pass from July to September. These buses cost less but don't run often, and seats go fast. You can drop by Batal to start walking or catch a lift to Chandratal from there. Be sure to check the bus times early, as they can change with the weather and road conditions.

• By Airport: Bhuntar Airport is the closest, about 175 km from Manali. Flights come in from Delhi and Chandigarh. You'll need to drive to Manali from there (2-3 hours) before heading to Batal. Chandratal is far out, so there are no direct flights to the lake or close spots past Manali.

• By Train: The Joginder Nagar station, about 145 km from Manali, is close but not well linked. Most go to the Chandigarh station, 300 km from Manali, as it has better rail links. You can drive or bus from Chandigarh to Manali, then on to Chandratal.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Chandratal Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.